The way to the Forum

The Memphis Grizzlies will play home game No. 14 tonight at FedExForum against the Charlotte Bobcats.

The scrappy but inexperienced Grizzlies enter the game with a 9-16 won-loss record, much better than most fans would have expected from such a young squad.

But they also have the unenviable distinction of being dead last in attendance among the 30 NBA teams. Tonight's opponent, the 8-18 Bobcats, are 28th on the go-see list, according to ESPN.com. Those numbers are not exactly the ingredients for a packed house.

The team deserves better. But with economic conditions being what they are, now is not the time to talk about making it your civic duty to support the city's only major league sports franchise. As one famous coach likes to say, "It is what it is."

To its credit, the team's management has tried to attract more fans by cutting ticket prices and offering deals on a package of games against marquee opponents.

Season ticket holders, who are not showing up, could also do more by offering their tickets to those who want to attend but can't afford it.

Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers may produce the season's first sellout crowd to see league MVP and fan favorite Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol making his first trip to Memphis since being traded last February.

But one game does not a season make. And, unfortunately, it looks like the young, likable Griz are in for a long one, attendance-wise.